I-Day: Security beefed up in and around Kolkata, districts

Security in and around the city as well as in the districts of West Bengal has been beefed up ahead of the 70th Independence Day on Monday, a senior police officer today said.

Security has been tightened to avoid any untoward incident and entry and exit points of the metropolis have been kept under extensive watch as part of the enhanced security measures across West Bengal, a senior officer of the Kolkata Police told PTI.

Leaves of all policemen across the state have been cancelled till August 20, officials said.

"Twenty three points at the city borders have been kept under close watch, besides hotels, guest houses and other lodging centres in and around the city are being monitored to ensure no outsiders without proper documents get accommodation there during this period," the officer said.
 

Kolkata Police have started checking vehicles entering the city as well as those coming to the airport, besides setting up several sand bag bunkers at key junctures.

The Special Task Force would keep a tab of things checking CCTV footages from different crossings of the city. An UAV would monitor movements of people within the city.

Extra policemen would be deployed at most public places, pilgrim spots as well as shopping malls and movie halls.

"Security arrangements in the city have been divided into two parts. One for the Independence Day parade venue at Red Road and another for the entire city," the officer said.

The Red Road venue has been divided into 14 zones where top officers of the force would be monitoring, as part of the special security arrangements for the Independence Day parade.

Six watch towers have been erected to keep vigil on activities at the place, while mobile vans, three Quick Response Teams, 11 High Radio Flying Squad, ten sand bag bunkers and CCTV cameras have been installed for foolproof security, the officer said adding ten ambulances would also be present at the venue.

Traffic would be restricted on the Red Road tonight at around 10 PM till the parade is over tomorrow morning, the officer said.

Major traffic diversions would also be there on Independence Day morning.

Security has also been increased at Victoria Memorial, Kalighat temple, Indian Museum, several other iconic structures as well as buildings housing government and other offices and Metro stations.